Dance Dad Competition Notes
Lowell Memorial Auditorium
This past weekend, we had an exhilarating dance competition at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts. The event showcased a multitude of talented dancers, and amidst the excitement, I picked up several valuable insights.
Here are the top five things I learned:
1. Auditorium Lighting Matters
In previous competitions, I would score along with the judges, jotting down my thoughts on each performance. However, this time, I faced an unexpected challenge - the auditorium lighting was too dim for note-taking. Lesson learned: Always be prepared for varying lighting conditions!
2. Snacks Are Essential
Dance days can be grueling, stretching from morning rehearsals to late-night performances. Despite any restrictions on outside food, sneaking in a few snacks is a smart move. I noticed others discreetly enjoying their Dunkin' Ice Coffee, bypassing the watchful eyes at the Lowell Auditorium entrance. After all, a well-timed snack can keep your energy levels up during those intense routines.
3. The Pricey Snack Bar
The onsite snack bar at the Lowell Auditorium surprised me with its steep prices. A 20-ounce soda set me back a whopping $5! My advice? Scout out nearby local shops. Familiarize yourself with their hours of operation--you might need to dash out for a quick meal if the awards ceremony runs late into Sunday evening. Proper meal planning ensures a smoother weekend experience for everyone.
4. Hotel Dining Dilemmas
When staying overnight, researching nearby restaurants is crucial. While delivery services like DoorDash and UberEats are convenient, they can also be pricey and occasionally unreliable. Our recent Chipotle order via DoorDash fell short--we didn't receive all the chips we'd requested. Was it DoorDash's fault or Chipotle's? Unclear. Lesson: Consider dining options beyond delivery apps.
5. Parking Predicaments
The closest town parking lot to the Lowell Auditorium charges a hefty $15 for special events. Yes, it's conveniently located for lugging those oversized dance bags, but you're paying a premium for proximity. Fear not! Two other lots offer better rates and are just a short walk away from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
Lower Locks Parking Facility is located on 90 Warren Street and Joseph M. Downes, Sr.?Facility on 75 John Street. Both of these large garages offer 24-hour parking for $11 or 6-hour parking for $9. These are great lots to park when your only going to the auditorium to watch a couple of dances. Both of these lots are within a 7-minute walk to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
Remember, every dance competition brings its own set of lessons--both onstage and off. Whether it's mastering a routine or navigating logistics, each experience contributes to our growth as dancers and event attendees.